Stakeholders raise concern as gunmen turn Benue into killing field

IDOMA VOICE EDITORIAL: The persistent and alarming wave of killings that has engulfed Benue State over the past three months has ignited widespread concerns among the state’s residents.

This harrowing surge in violence, leaving a trail of tragedy in its wake, calls for introspection and collective action.

Cast your mind back to January 2023, when Governor Hyacinth Alia unveiled his manifesto to the people of Benue.

IDOMA VOICE recalls that Among his promises was a commitment to establish Permanent Integrated Forward Operation Bases for security personnel at critical flashpoints where armed attacks and displacement of civilians were rampant.

The governor, now having clinched victory, is tasked with turning these words into effective action.

Regrettably, these security measures are yet to materialize, and the recent spate of high-profile murders serves as a grim reminder of this reality.

Prominent individuals within the state have fallen victim to this disturbing trend, leaving the community grappling with shock and sorrow.

A recent incident stands out – the tragic murder of Jarule Likita, a commander within the Livestock Guards, a unit established by the government to enforce the State Anti-open Grazing Law.

This act of violence, IDOMA VOICE notes, has heightened tensions within Ukum Local Government Area, where the incident occurred, and underlines the pressing need for effective security strategies.

Only yesterday, the news of the murder of Justice Margaret Igbetar, a former President of the Customary Court of Appeal, reverberated across the state.

The persistent targeting of Ukum LGA by gunmen has transformed it into a killing field, with the death toll surpassing 50 lives, and numerous others left injured.

In the face of this turmoil, community leaders and citizens alike are looking for solutions and accountability. Chief Shima Ayati, a prominent community leader from the region, has pointed a finger at the political class for failing to uphold their responsibility to maintain peace within Ukum LGA. This sobering reminder that leadership bears the weight of public security underscores the urgency of the situation.

When Former Governor Samuel Ortom raised his voice against the growing violence in the state, some dismissed his concerns as mere rhetoric. Today, we are confronted with the harsh reality that his warnings were not unfounded. The crisis at hand demands decisive and immediate action from all quarters.

Rev. Fr. Alia, the current governor, holds the mantle of leadership and the promise of a safer Benue State. As he assembles his cabinet tomorrow, the eyes of the state’s residents are on him, hoping for prioritization of their security. The task is not merely political; it is a moral duty to safeguard the lives and well-being of every citizen.

The relentless bloodshed in Benue State is a call to arms for everyone invested in its progress and security. It is a clarion call for leaders to rise above political divides and prioritize the safety and welfare of the people. As the state navigates these turbulent waters, unity and concerted efforts are essential to regain a sense of normalcy and security for the citizens who deserve nothing less.